Planning a Career in Software Development – What You Need to Know

Deciding that you want to follow a career in IT is a pretty broad statement, as there are all kinds of paths you can take. If you’re looking for a career that is on the rise, then a career in software development may be your best option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of software development will actually grow by 17% between now and 2024. As well, the salaries in this position average above $100,000.
So as you work at finalizing your career path choice, here’s a look at what you need to know about a career in software development.

Get the Proper Schooling
If you’re looking for the very best way to set yourself up for a career in software development, then you will absolutely need to get your masters in software development. Where it used to be that you could only do this on-campus, today’s students can enroll in an online MSSD degree through a prestigious and well-respected school such as Maryville University.

Through this program, you’ll be able to learn about web applications, user interface design, software design, and database management. The program features three different start dates per year, and it’s possible to graduate in as little as 10 months.

Be Flexible in Your Search
Once you do graduate from your degree program, it would be great to think that you could move straight into a job, but in most cases, it takes patience, motivation, and hard work to find that first job. It’s quite common to find that large companies prefer a candidate with experience, not just schooling. This is when you may want to start looking at smaller companies, even start-ups that are just looking to get off the ground. These companies tend to be more willing to hire candidates that don’t have years’ worth of experience.

Keep in mind that your first job isn’t likely to be your dream job. You will probably need to make sacrifices such as a lower salary than you hoped for, not as much responsibility, and maybe not the ideal company. It’s best to look at your job as experience for the resume, as it is just a step on the ladder to success.

Make Sure Your Resume Features Relevant Skills
As you finish up your schooling it’s only natural to come out with a positive attitude about all your skills. You might have added all these skills to your resume. The problem is that many of these don’t apply or aren’t relevant to the job you are applying for. It’s a good idea to customize your resume for each position to ensure you look like a pro in specific areas that would benefit the potential employer.

Your Dream Career Exists
Choosing a career path is exciting and a bit overwhelming at times. If you’ve decided that a life in software development is for you, then taking these steps will help to ensure you find success.